- Victim praises Nigerian men as “sexiest” despite financial loss.
- EFCC highlights rising youth involvement in internet fraud.
American Woman Duped by Nigerian Scammers, Opens Up About Financial Loss and Resilience
An American woman has shared her heartbreaking experience of falling victim to two Nigerian internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys,” in a romance scam that left her financially devastated.
Despite her ordeal, the woman, who appears to be in her early 50s, expressed admiration for Nigerian men, describing them as “the sexiest and most handsome men on this planet.”
In a viral video posted on Sunday, she recounted how she was scammed by two young Nigerians, revealing their tactics and how she uncovered the truth about their identities.
First Encounter: Love and Betrayal
The woman revealed that she met one of the scammers on TikTok in 2020 and was in a relationship with him for ten months. She displayed his real photo alongside the one he used to deceive victims.
“One day, he made a mistake and called me from a Nigerian phone number. He tried to pass it off as his friend’s number, but that’s when I realized something was wrong,” she narrated.
When she ended the relationship, the scammer confessed to his deceit, admitting he was planning to marry his Nigerian girlfriend. The woman surprisingly wished him well, saying, “May God bless their relationship.”
Second Encounter: A Different Kind of Scam
In her second experience, she was tricked by another young Nigerian who later confessed that he lied to secure money for his sick mother’s hospital bills.
“This one was different; he was polite and considered my feelings. After a year, he told me the truth. He thanked me for saving his mother’s life,” she explained.
The woman admitted this scam hurt less because she believed the money went to a good cause.
Caution and Lessons Learned
Reflecting on her experiences, the woman warned others to be vigilant while interacting online. “These men destroyed my life financially. I pray it never happens to me again, but I still have love for Nigerians. Many are struggling, but so are American women, especially those without partners.”
EFCC’s Efforts Against Internet Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to combat cybercrime in Nigeria. Between May 2023 and May 2024, the EFCC secured 3,175 convictions and recovered significant assets, including over ₦156 billion, $43.8 million, and various other currencies.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede recently expressed concern about the rising involvement of youths in cybercrime. “The commission is deeply worried about the increasing involvement of young people, including students, in Yahoo Yahoo. Hundreds of suspects are arrested monthly, with many ending up in jail,” he said.
The woman’s story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the personal and financial impact of online scams while underscoring the global need to address internet fraud.
